Florence enacts temporary pot ban

FLORENCE — Florence City Council on Monday voted to enact a moratorium on recreational marijuana establishments pending outcome of the statewide November vote on taxation.

The council agreed to a six-month moratorium which will run through March 31.

“We didn’t vote ‘yes’ or ‘no.’ We just want to wait until we can figure out what is going on with taxation and (the Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights),” said Florence Mayor Keith Ore.

Canon City Council also gave final approval Monday to a six-month moratorium on retail marijuana sales which will run through April 1.

Earlier this month, Fremont County commissioners voted to nip recreational marijuana businesses in the bud. The county’s established medical marijuana businesses will continue to operate.

Fremont County Commissioner Ed Norden said he would be willing to revisit the recreational marijuana issue if state voters OK taxation for the drug and county officials can develop an appropriate fee structure.